Redemption arcs often walk a fine line between genuine character development and feeling like a forced convenience for the storyline. Some characters are given an easy path to atonement, while others face an uphill battle that never guarantees redemption in the eyes of those they have wronged. My Hero Academia offers several examples of both, but none are as controversial as Endeavor’s character arc.

To fully understand Endeavor’s journey, it’s important to recognize who he was before his turning point. As Japan’s No. 2 Hero, Enji Todoroki was always in All Might’s shadow, leading to an obsession over creating the perfect successor. This ambition and the abuse caused by it left deep scars on his family, particularly his sons Shoto and Toya, who later became the villain, Dabi. Yet, after All Might’s retirement, Endeavor was forced to confront his past in the wake of his new responsibilities as the top hero, pushing him to decide what kind of person he wanted to be.

Endeavor Is Another Prime Example of the Flaws in Hero Society

My Hero Academia Uses Endeavor's Story to Make The Series' World Deeper

Endeavor’s character serves as a harsh reminder that hero society is flawed and often prioritizes strength and success over all else. Despite his abusive past, he remained Japan’s top hero, proving that the system values results and power above all else. This showed fans that hero society focuses more on the duties a hero performs rather than personal failings and public scrutiny. Despite Dabi sharing his story with the world in season 6, episode #124, and the public outcry that followed, Endeavor was never removed from professional heroism.

Additionally, hero society’s obsession with rankings encourages dangerous ambition, which shapes Endeavor’s toxic worldview. His pursuit of strength was rooted in a system that glorified power, making him come to the conclusion that suring All Might by any means necessary was justified. This mindset fueled his abuse towards his family and led him to view his son as a tool for achieving his goals rather than as a person. Ranking in hero society promotes heroism based on status, popularity, and fame rather than true, selfless heroism.

Endeavor's Redemption Story Is an Example of Responsibility

Endeavor Never Attempts To Brush Off or Forget His Past Mistakes

One of the most significant aspects of Endeavor’s arc is the fact that he never denies or downplays his past actions. Many fallen figures in society immediately begin damage control, where they attempt to justify their mistakes or shift the blame to protect their image, but Endeavor does neither. Instead, he openly acknowledges the harm he caused his family and doesn’t ask for sympathy or expect immediate reconciliation. He understands that the past can’t be erased and its to the severity of his actions rather than making pointless excuses.

Endeavor takes ability for his actions and takes active steps to address the damage he caused, both as a father and a Pro Hero. He doesn’t attempt to force his family into a forced unified front, nor does he try to use his status as the No. 1 Hero to demand their acceptance. Instead, he respects their boundaries while focusing on self-improvement, proving that his desire to change isn’t just performative, it’s personal. His efforts extend beyond his immediate family, and he strives to set a new standard for what heroism should mean.

Endeavor doesn’t expect redemption or forgiveness and never assumes that his family will accept his apologies. He understands that taking responsibility isn’t about reaching a satisfying conclusion but rather about making things right, even if he knows the damage can never be undone. This mindset separates him from many other characters seeking redemption, as his actions are driven by growth rather than external validation.

Endeavor’s Redemption Arc Was Never Forced

My Hero Academia Pushes the Theme That Redemption Is Earned, Not Given

Endeavor’s redemption arc stands out because it was never forced upon the audience or the characters around him. Unlike some redemption narratives, where past actions are quickly forgiven to advance the narrative, Endeavor’s journey is slow, painful, and full of uncertainty. His family does not suddenly embrace him, and the consequences of his actions are ever-present, as his efforts are met with skepticism. This realism makes his redemption arc feel earned, allowing his development to unfold naturally rather than being pushed by narrative convenience.

The story never demands that viewers accept Endeavor’s redemption. His past cannot be erased, and characters like Natsuo serve as a reminder that some wounds don’t heal easily and will never be forgiven or forgotten. Unlike forced redemption arcs where a character is forgiven simply because they’ve changed, Endeavor’s story emphasizes that change doesn’t guarantee acceptance. This allows for a more complex and morally ambiguous exploration of redemption. The audience is left to decide for themselves whether his efforts are enough, reinforcing the idea that redemption is not something that can be given but rather something that must be earned.

His Character Arc Was Never About Forgiveness, It Was About Effort

The Story Makes It Clear that Endeavor Will Never Be Forgiven

Endeavor’s character arc is unique because it never revolves around being forgiven. Instead, it revolves around proving that, through consistent effort, he is no longer the man he once was. Many redemption stories hinge on the idea that once a character has apologized or shown remorse, they will eventually be forgiven as if that is the ultimate reward. However, My Hero Academia challenges this idea with Endeavor’s character. His family’s pain doesn’t simply disappear because he regrets his actions, instead, the story focuses on his determination to change for the better, regardless of whether his family accepts him or not.

This distinction is important because it acknowledges that some harm can’t be healed or undone. Natsuo’s refusal to forgive Endeavor is a crucial moment that reinforces this reality. While some may be able to move on, others can never forget—and that’s okay. Yet, this does not hinder Endeavor’s effort to become a better man, despite knowing that his past will always stick with him in some way, but even then, he refuses to allow it to dictate his future.

In the end, Endeavor’s journey is not about making amends in a way that feels clean or complete. It’s about a flawed man who recognizes his failures and makes the conscious and active decision to change, not for the sake of absolution, but because it’s the right thing to do. Whether or not he is forgiven is irrelevant. What matters is that he never stops proving that he is no longer the man he once was. Through Endeavor, My Hero Academia demonstrates how to create a successful redemption arc.